Somalia face Kenya’s Junior Stars in CECAFA U-18 Championship

Somalia is set to face Kenya's Junior Stars in the concluding Group A matches of the 2023 Council of East and Central Africa Football Association (Cecafa) Under-18 championships at Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega. Kenya secured their spot in the semifinals after a narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Kisumu on Tuesday.

The winning goal, scored by Spanish-based Aldrine Kibet, propelled Kenya to the top of Group A with six points, leading ahead of Somalia, Rwanda, and Sudan. Kibet, returning to the familiar grounds of Bukhungu Stadium, had previously made a name for himself with two goals in August, contributing to St. Anthony's Boys Kitale winning the Kenya Secondary School Sports Association (KSSSA) national football title.

With their semifinal spot secured, Kenya will play for formality against Somalia before heading to the knockout stages set for the following week in Kisumu. Meanwhile, Rwanda, currently third in the standings with three points and zero goal difference, must defeat Sudan to have a chance at qualifying for the next round. Sudan is at the bottom with zero points.

Coach Salim Babu expressed the team's commitment to maintaining consistency, stating, "We are going to play our football because we have to maintain consistency ahead of Tuesday’s semis. We don’t want to let down our tempo, and I believe we have the quality to do that consistently."

In Group B, where all teams are tied on three points, it's a do-or-die situation for Uganda Junior Cranes, South Sudan, Tanzania, and Zanzibar. Uganda, having lost 1-0 to Tanzania but winning 2-1 against Zanzibar, will face Zanzibar, while South Sudan, who lost 1-0 to Zanzibar, will challenge Tanzania. The winners of the final matches on Saturday will secure a spot in the semifinals.